HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL STUDY - 2009-12-07 CITY OF LIVONIA— CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD DECEMBER 7, 2009
Meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. Present: Brian Meakin, Tom Robinson,
James McCann, Terry Godfroid-Marecki, John Pastor and Laura Toy. Absent: Joe
Laura.
Elected and appointed officials present: Mayor Jack Kirksey; Don Knapp, City
Attorney; Todd Zilincik, City Engineer; Dennis Wright, City Treasurer; Sharon
Dolmetsch, City Deputy Treasurer; Karen Kapchonick, Parks and Recreation
Superintendent; Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Services.
President Toy conveyed her deepest sympathy to Maureen Cosgrove, Assistant City
Clerk, on the passing of her brother, Ronald Horvath, who passed away yesterday.
President Toy announced there would be one "X" item at the end of tonight's Agenda.
Vice-President Godfroid-Marecki wished Councilman Brian Meakin and Dennis Wright,
City Treasurer, Happy Birthday. They both have birthdays this week.
McCann wished his wife, Linda, a Happy Birthday on December 9, 2009 and also
Happy Anniversary, their anniversary is December 13, 2009. He also wished a Happy
Birthday to Linda Pastor.
President Toy requested a few moments of silence in honor of Maureen Cosgrove's
brother, Ron, but also in remembrance of all of those who lost their life in the attack of
Pearl Harbor.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION: None.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: Laura Zain, Executive
Director/Founder, Tail Wagger's USA, re: as required by the State of Michigan to
obtain a Charitable Gaming License to allow them to conduct fundraisers at
numerous events throughout the year to raise funds for their organization.
Laura Zain, 27859 Oakley, Livonia, was present to request a Charitable Gaming
License to allow her organization, Tail Wagger's USA, to conduct fundraisers at
numerous events. Tail Wagger's USA has been in existence as a non-profit
organization since April 2009 but in existence throughout the City helping various
animals and families with their animals since 1989. Toy asked if the organization
has been successful. Zain replied that it has been very successful. Zain talked
about a successful low-cost vaccination clinic the organization held over the
summer that they invited City Clerk Grimsby to participate in and sell dog
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licenses at so the event patrons could enjoy one-stop shopping. Zain said they
vaccinated over 150 dogs during that event here in Livonia and plan to make it a
regular event.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
2. REQUEST FOR NON-PROFIT DESIGNATION: Eileen Whalen, Program
Director/ConnectUs, re: as required by the State of Michigan to obtain a
Charitable Gaming License to allow them to conduct a raffle in March 2010 to
raise funds for their organization.
Eileen Whalen, 17969 Mayfield, Livonia, was present on behalf of ConnectUs to
request a Charitable Gaming License to allow them to conduct a raffle in March
2010 and other future fundraising activities to raise funds for their organization.
President Toy inquired about the type of business ConnectUs conducts. Whalen
replied that is a non-profit designed to provide day programs for young adults
with multiple-impairments after they graduate from the school and to provide
internships for special education teachers and medical students.
McCann asked Whalen if ConnectUs was located locally. Whalen responded that
currently they are working out of her house and explained they hold one day
activities at different schools and locations where they can borrow space. She
hopes that within four (4) years they have their own location. McCann asked if
they've been doing some fundraising. Whalen replied that they have had one (1)
bowling fundraiser so far. She said the business started in August 2008.
McCann asked for confirmation that this was for disabled children that no longer
qualified for the State funded schooling. Whalen responded that was correct and
added it was for ages 26 and up. McCann informed Whalen that this meeting
was televised if she wanted to give out her website information for anybody
watching who may want to contact her for information. Whalen gave her website
address www.connectus-livonia.org.
Pastor offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
3. REQUEST FOR ISSUANCE OF A PERMIT FOR WADE SHOWS TO HOLD
CARNIVAL AMUSEMENT RIDES AT FORD FIELD AND VETERANS' PARK
JUNE 22-27, 2010, DURING REFERENCED HOURS; A PERMIT FOR A
FIREWORKS DISPLAY BY AMERICAN FIREWORKS, INC. TO BE HELD AT
10:15 P.M. ON JUNE 27, 2010 AT VETERANS' PARK; AND AUTHORIZATION
TO USE AND LEASE THE FACILITIES AT FORD FIELD, EDDIE EDGAR
ARENA AND VETERANS' PARK DURING SPREE '60: Dan Spurling, President,
Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc., re: same.
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Bill Fried was present to answer any questions and obtain an approving
resolution.
McCann said that he (McCann) has been on the Spree Board for the past two (2)
years and it has been an honor. McCann said his wife Linda has been on the
Spree Board for about fourteen (14) years. McCann said the Spree Board does a
lot of charitable work and they give tens of thousands of dollars back to the
community each year for scholarships, foundation work, the Livonia Foundation,
Livonia Symphony and many other charitable donations. This is all done by
numerous volunteers; many who donate their ten (10) vacation days and to do
nothing but show up at 7:00 a.m. and work until 10:00 p.m. every day during the
Spree. This is a tremendous amount of commitment by Livonia residents towards
Spree and it does produce a lot of good.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
4. REQUEST TO CLOSE STARK ROAD FROM THE FAMILY Y (14255 STARK
ROAD) TO LYNDON AND LYNDON FROM FARMINGTON ROAD TO STARK
ROAD TO TRAFFIC FROM 8:00 A.M. JUNE 217 2010 THROUGH 12:00 NOON
ON JUNE 287 2010 (MONDAY THROUGH MONDAY); AND TO REQUEST
THAT THE CITY SEEK PERMISSION FROM THE WAYNE COUNTY ROAD
COMMISSION TO ALLOW THE CLOSURE OF FARMINGTON ROAD
BETWEEN THE 1-96 OVERPASS AND FIVE MILE ROAD FROM 8:30 P.M.
THROUGH 11:30 P.M. ON JUNE 277 2010 (SUNDAY) IN CONNECTION WITH
SPREE '60: Dan Spurling, President, Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc., re.
same.
Bill Fried was present to answer any questions and obtain an approving
resolution.
Godfroid-Marecki mentioned that if anybody was new that lives in Silver Village
or on Stark Road that get special permits. Bill Fried added that they always go
door-to-door and make sure that they're taken care of and the church that
borders on that park. He also said that they keep the area picked-up before,
during and after the Spree through the efforts of the City too.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
5. REQUEST TO DISPLAY BANNERS ON FARMINGTON ROAD AND FIVE MILE
ROAD AND 4' X 8' SIGNS AT CITY HALL AND FORD FIELD FROM MAY 247
2010 THROUGH JUNE 277 2010 IN CONNECTION WITH SPREE '60: Dan
Spurling, President, Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc., re: same.
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Bill Fried was present to answer any questions and obtain an approving
resolution.
Don Kolhoff, 14066 Mayfield, Livonia, Livonia Symphony Orchestra, thanked Bill
Fried, who presented a $1,500.00 check to the Livonia Symphony Orchestra last
Saturday at their Christmas concert.
President Toy thanked McCann for his involvement with the Spree. She also
thanked Fried for all of his hard work on the Spree.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
6. REQUEST FOR THE ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION GIVING THE
TREASURER OF THE CITY OF LIVONIA APPROVAL TO CANCEL
DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES THAT THE CITY HAS
DEEMED AS BEING UNABLE TO COLLECT AFTER FIVE (5) YEARS: Office of
the Treasurer, re: in order to comply with State law with respect to tax years
1999 through 2002.
Dennis Wright, City Treasurer, stated he was seeking a resolution to cancel
delinquent personal property tax roll to remove amounts that have been deemed
uncollectable. By passing the resolution, he is requesting that City then notify the
Wayne County Circuit Court that their delinquencies are being removed from all
tax rolls, this resolution is necessary to be in compliance with State of Michigan
tax law. Meakin stated City Treasurer Wright has done an outstanding job with
collections for the last couple of years.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
7. REQUEST TO AMEND COUNCIL RESOLUTION 443-09: Office of the Mayor,
re: to amend the reappointment term for William Fried for a three year term to
expire on November 24, 2012.
Mayor Kirksey requested a personal privilege to make an announcement. Mayor
Kirksey said there had been some mention about this being Pearl Harbor Day,
remembering the horrific event that occurred in 1941. He wanted to recognize the
American Legion Post tonight, he said he was there earlier tonight for part of their
ceremony and said he believes they may perhaps have been the only
organization in our City that recognized that the City put all the flags on City
property at half mast. He said it was interesting audience, with all varieties of
demographics and ages. It was good to see a group like that come together,
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even though this was an event that goes well back in history it was good to see
an organization in our community that still remembers and celebrated it
appropriately. Mayor Kirksey said that Dennis Wright does an exceptional job
helping to do whatever the City can with debt in terms of back taxes as well as
preventing back taxes from occurring. He said Dennis Wright is very talented in
that respect. Mayor Kirksey said re: Agenda items 7, 8, and 9, seldom in his
career has he admitted a mistake but this is a mistake that originated from his
office in terms of tenure of office that was selected in this concept of introducing
staggered terms for the reappointments. He encouraged Council's support for
Agenda items 7, 8, and 9, to convert those from 1 year to 3 year terms and the
mathematics workout very well for the City on those appointments. It was just a
clerical error on it when they first brought it to Council. He said he would
encourage any support that Council would give to Agenda items 7, 8, and 9.
Robinson offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
8. REQUEST TO AMEND COUNCIL RESOLUTION 444-09: Office of the Mayor,
re: to amend the reappointment term for Kenneth M. Harb for a three year term
to expire on November 24, 2012.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
9. REQUEST TO AMEND COUNCIL RESOLUTION 445-09: Office of the Mayor,
re: to amend the reappointment term for Enrico Soave for a three year term to
expire on November 24, 2012.
Pastor offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
10. AWARD OF BID: Department of Parks and Recreation, re: of various items of
Clothing for the 2010 departmental needs.
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated that the
department opened sealed bids in October for the clothing that they need, such
as the staff shirts, t-shirts, and baseball caps. After reviewing all the bids, they
are recommending that Allgraphics, located in Farmington Hills, MI, be awarded
Items 1-6, 8, 11-23, and 25-27 and that Tool Sport & Sign, located in Oxford, MI,
be awarded Items 9 and 10, and that J.H. Corporation, located in Livonia, MI, be
awarded Items 7 and 24. Funds are available in various accounts.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
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DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
11. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Department of Parks & Recreation, re: for the towel
service at the Livonia Community Recreation Center for the period March 1, 2010
to February 28, 2015.
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, said that they sought
written bids for a five (5) year contract beginning March 1, 2010 to February 28,
2015 for towel service at the Community Recreation Center. After reviewing the
bids and noting that all vendors met the specifications of water temperature,
storage bins, laundry bags and three (3) deliveries per week, they are
recommending that Friendly Laundry Service located in Livonia be awarded the
contract because they had the lowest cost for towel service at $ .055 per towel.
It is estimated that the total cost for towel service, including towel replacements
and delivery, will be around $31,404.00 per year. They have sufficient funds
budgeted for this; again it is a five (5) year contract. She said that Mr. and Mrs.
Goodlesky are here tonight representing Friendly Laundry Service to answer any
questions.
McCann said he was very glad to see that it was a Livonia business that bid, won
the bid, and they are substantially lower than the other bids. He said that was
wonderful, it was good news.
President Toy asked Mr. & Mrs. Goodlesky to stand so they could be recognized
and she thanked them.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
12. AWARD OF BID: Department of Parks & Recreation, re: for Fitness Equipment
for the Livonia Community Recreation Center from funds budgeted for this
purpose.
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated that Parks &
Recreation annually updates the fitness equipment at the Community Recreation
Center for yearly purchases and trade-ins. They usually cycle about one-third of
the cardio equipment per year. They sought written bids for the purchase of
twenty-three (23) pieces of equipment. After reviewing the bids of all the vendors
selected, it is Parks & Recreation's recommendation that All-Pro, located in
Farmington Hills, be awarded a contract for seven (7) ellipticals or cross trainers,
one (1) Octane elliptical, two (2) Concept rowers and two (2) Matrix stair climbers
for a total of $27,480.00, and that Direct Fitness Solutions, located in Mundelein,
IL, be awarded a contract for one (1) Precor motion trainer at the price of
$5,895.00. A contract should be awarded to Star Trac, located in Irvine, CA, for
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six (6) treadmills, two (2) e-Spinners and two (2) stair climbers for a total amount
of $30,285.00. The grand total for all these purchases would be $63,660.00;
funds are available in the Budget. President Toy asked if these purchases were
already budgeted and the funds are available, Kapchonick confirmed that was
correct. Godfroid-Marecki asked Kapchonick re: the equipment from California, if
shipping was included in the cost. Kapchonick confirmed shipping was included
in the cost.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
13. AWARD OF CONTRACTS: Department of Parks & Recreation, re. for ad
solicitation and for printing the advertisement insert in "L" Magazine, mailed four
(4) times per year.
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated this evening
she comes to Council with a new concept that provides an additional benefit to
our City in regards to revenue and will allow our community businesses an
opportunity to promote their services. She is seeking approval from Council to
have a company solicit ads for "L" Magazine which is mailed four (4) times per
year to our residents. These ads would be placed in the middle section of the "L"
Magazine as an insert. In addition, the inside front or the inside back of the "L"
Magazine would also be available. The revenue generated by the ads would
offset the cost the "L" Magazine and additional cost of printing and saddle
stitching the ad insert. The anticipated revenue after expenses could range from
$1,000.00 to $3,000.00 per issue the first year and increase over the course of
the contract which is a three (3) year contract. Based on the bid specifications
and our review of the two (2) bids received, they are recommending that City
Council authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute two (2) contracts with
Advantage Marketing Solutions located in Livonia. The first contract would allow
Advantage Marketing Solutions to seek ads for the three (3) year period
beginning with the 2010 Summer publication and run through the 2013 Spring
publication. The second contract would be for the printing of the advertisement
insert; not to exceed $20,000 per year. Currently Advantage Marketing Solutions
does this type of service for Canton Leisure Services, Ypsilanti Parks and
Recreation, City of Plymouth, and Northville Parks and Recreation. Mark
Hutchins is here representing Advantage Marketing Solutions to answer any
questions of Council.
Godfroid-Marecki asked Kapchonick if she had discretion over what ads may
come through. Kapchonick confirmed yes, she also said there are guidelines set
up and all ads would have to be approved by the Parks and Recreation
Department. She said she would encourage no ads be taken for programs
currently offered so that the City is not competing with another business.
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Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
14. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Department of Parks & Recreation, re. for the
removal of the play structure and impacted soil at Beverly Park. (CR 418-09)
Karen Kapchonick, Superintendent of Parks & Recreation, stated the Department
is finally moving forward in addressing the concerns at Beverly Park and is
asking City Council to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a contract
with Technical Service Professionals. After reviewing the three (3) bids received,
they recommend that Technical Service Professionals, located in Livonia, be
awarded the bid for an amount not to exceed $81,913.00 from funds budgeted in
the unexpended fund balance of the refuse fund. As a point of reference,
Technical Service Professionals has stated they would like to have a sign put at
the park recognizing the efforts of the Committee and a little history about the
play structure in addition to putting the names of those that were on the pickets
or the volunteers. President Toy said to Kapchonick that she was going to ask
her about the pickets because she has had a lot of people ask her if they could
get their pickets that they paid for that had their name on. Kapchonick answered
they can and she explained that as part of this project they are having the
company take all the pickets down in sections. They will be placed over at the
Department of Public Works and they will work on taking those pickets down and
doing news releases setting up times for individuals to come and pick up their
pickets. The pickets is the fencing around the current play structure, those were
bought by individuals that were interested in the play structure. Kapchonick
stated she knows that some of them have already been taken down but there are
still quite a few that individuals could pick up. They will have news releases and
put something on the website.
Pastor asked if everything was cleaned up over there. Kapchonick responded
yes and said they also trimmed the trees.
Pastor offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
15. AWARD OF BID: Public Service Division, re: for aggregates — (road gravel, slag
and stone) for the City's 2010 calendar year requirements.
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, stated they went out for bids for
aggregates including road gravel, slag and stone for road construction, water
repair and parks maintenance operations. They are recommending the low bids
which meet specifications from the four (4) suppliers which include Michigan
Road Maintenance Company, Osborne Industries, Edward C. Levy Company,
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and Ellsworth Industries. Additionally, we're requesting to accept the second low
bid in the event the low bidder might not be able to supply.
Godfroid-Marecki offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
16. AWARD OF CONTRACT: Public Service Division, re: for telecommunication
specification development and proposal evaluation — City telecommunication
system upgrade and new courthouse telecommunication system from budgeted
funds.
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Service, said in 1997 we solicited
proposals for the installation of a telecommunication and cabling system for the
municipal offices of the City which was installed at that time. In 2002 proposals
were solicited for the Community Recreation Center to have compatible
equipment put in there and expand our telecommunication service to that new
facility at that time. Next year the telecommunication system will be thirteen (13)
years old and are approaching the end of the product life cycle. While the
equipment could continue to be supported as is, the concern will continue to
increase in regards to replacement parts and the ability to continue to have a
maintenance agreement with switches and the voicemail system. Beyond that
two (2) issues are bringing this need to the forefront which includes the
telecommunication needs of the new courthouse facility and the fact that the
current system is essentially maxed out, it is difficult to add additional phones or
phone lines with present equipment. As a result of these issues the Department
engaged Plante Moran last year to do a strategic review of options. In summary,
the options range from no action at this time (which would really not solve current
issues and would not give assurance that priorities such as public safety
communication would be assured in the years to come); upgrading the existing
equipment and leveraging the previous investment in the equipment was another
option; and an outright replacement with a new Avaya system or other
telecommunications systems that was out there was also looked at. Given these
various options and current financial constraints they recommend that Council
accept Plante Moran's proposal to develop specifications and evaluate proposals
with an upgrade to the current system. They would be working directly with
Plante Moran to refine a request for proposal that would meet current needs and
would return to Council with a recommendation based on those proposals
received. Wilson stated that Mr. Ted Mallires representing Plante Moran was
present to answer any questions; he added that Ted did the technology
consulting for the telecommunications system back in 1996 and he is completely
familiar with the existing system and performed the strategic review this past
year. Meakin asked Wilson what direction they were seeking tonight, to further
study this or to approve the whole thing. Wilson responded that Plante Moran is
presenting a proposal to do the specifications and to do an evaluation of those
proposals when they come back, and would be visiting Council again with a
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recommendation as far as a specific vendor and a specific proposal but wanted
to take advantage at this point to really bring Council up to date of where they are
with the current system right now and the direction they are heading into, to
address the future needs of the system.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
Meakin offered a resolution referring to the Technology Committee for further
review and to have an opportunity to go back into an informal Committee
session.
McCann said when he read the letter it seemed like Proposal A which is basically
to use the same equipment but upgrade it through secondary markets as the City
goes forward was the main recommendation at the end of the letter, including the
$11,800.00 to Plante Moran. McCann asked Wilson if that has changed. Wilson
replied, no it has not changed but the actual upgrade is really gutting the inside of
that equipment and bringing it into 21St Century technology and IP technology.
McCann confirmed that the letter did indicate that they would have expenditures
for 2010, 2011, and 2012 for the infrastructure but would be able to maintain the
same handsets, at least throughout City Hall right now and then it's eventually
through computers or as the City gets newer equipment it's put into the IP, he
asked Wilson to confirm if that was correct. Wilson replied, yes, and added it
would be a phase in approach that they could utilize. Wilson said as a hand set
goes bad rather than investing in what is now older digital technology we could
replace it with an IP phone set, actually hook it through the PC or computer
which is how it would communicate that particular work station. McCann said that
he thought that is what they were coming here for tonight and asked if that is the
approving resolution we're going to go forward with Plan A. Wilson responded,
Plan A revised essentially, because it was discussed in the letter the voicemail
system that was proposed would probably not meet the City's needs, it would
actually potentially slow traffic down with the system. Wilson added they have
some further information that they're going to be exploring which is the
communication manager which is the upgraded switch that we're evolving to
which actually has a companion voicemail system with it now. He said they're
going to examine whether that will meet the City's needs and if it does then it
could be substantially less. McCann asked Don Knapp, City Attorney, to confirm
if that is what Council would be approving today, those expenditures under
Proposal A for the infrastructure equipment or would Council just be going
forward with the plan right now. Knapp replied that it was his understanding that
the City would engage Plante Moran to develop specifications. There will be bids
taken and then the Council will be asked to approve the bids after they return.
McCann said he did see some quotes in the letter. Wilson responded those are
budgetary figures.
Godfroid-Marecki asked Wilson if Plante Moran was involved with this because of
their involvement with the courthouse. Wilson responded that they are involved
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because of their long history with the City as the original technology managers
when the City got the current system in 1997.
DIRECTION: (1) APPROVING CONSENT
(2) REFER TO TECHNOLOGY
COMMITTEE
17. REQUEST FOR ADOPTION OF A COMMUNITY RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
THE EXECUTION OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PERMITS: Public Service
Division, re: as requested by the County of Wayne for activities that may take
place within County roads right-of-ways.
Brian Wilson, Superintendent of Public Works, said this was also one of those
items visited annually. The Department is requesting a resolution from the
Council re: Wayne County's annual maintenance permit for work in the Wayne
County right-of-ways. The Department of Public Works may have maintenance
activities that may happen during the course of the year such as a water main
break where the City has to work in the County right-of-way. He was bringing this
to Council as the County does require a resolution to accompany their annual
permit.
Robinson offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
18. REQUEST TO AWARD A CONTRACT AND TO AUTHORIZE EXPENDITURE:
Engineering Division, re: to perform emergency water main replacement for
Westmore (7 Mile to Carl) and Carl (west to Farmington Road) and to authorize
the City Engineer to approve minor adjustments in the work as required.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, stated this item was re: the replacement of a sixty
(60) year old water main along Westmore and Carl in which they're seeking to
replace it with an eight (8) inch High Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE),
approximately 2,000 lineal feet. Numerous complaints have been received
regarding low water pressure, water quality issues and the potential for fire
fighting difficulties. Therefore, in coordination with the Department of Public
Works he contacted Murphy Pipeline who previously performed the water main
replacements over the past two (2) years to use 2007 contract unit prices, with
that they are seeking the award to Murphy Pipeline in the amount of$235,125.00
and authorize the expenditure from the 2005 Water and Sewer bond sales. There
is currently $250,000.00 in budgeted funds from the bond sales. He said this item
also went to the Water and Sewer Board for their concurrence and they are on
board with the emergency water main replacement.
McCann offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
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Meakin asked Zilincik to confirm the fact that this was a new company that the
City started with in 2007, Zilincik replied that was correct. Meakin asked if it
worked out well with them, Zilincik replied yes.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
X1. REQUEST TO AWARD A CONTRACT AND TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATION
AND EXPENDITURE: Engineering Division, re: to award design services for
resurfacing Middlebelt Road (Seven Mile to Eight Mile Roads) in order to utilize
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding.
Mayor Kirksey said conceptually what we have is something that is just in recent
days has been identified; and that is some funding that is available to do some
major improvements on the Middlebelt corridor starting at Five Mile Road going
all the way to Eight Mile Road in the very near construction seasons. The first
two (2) miles of that endeavor from Five Mile Road to Seven Mile Road are pretty
much being taken care of by Wayne County and their in the process of
determining who will do the design and who will do the construction and all of the
varieties of details that go with that. He said what the Administration brings
before Council tonight is an authorization for approximately $60,000.00 so that
the City would be able to handle the design function of Seven Mile Road to Eight
Mile Road. This would be an opportunity for all three (3) miles to be done but
most importantly it would be very important to our taxpayers because by being
involved in it in the eleventh hour, if the City can act before the end of this month
and contract with the designing firm the City will be able to save approximately
$90,000.00 of taxpayers money that would have to be encumbered sometime in
the future if we were to put this through traditional participation which would be
ten percent (10%) of the total contract that would be necessary to resurface
these roads. Mayor Kirksey said to imagine, driving on Middlebelt Road starting
at Five Mile Road going all the way to Eight Mile Road, he said many people
travel that section of roads daily and it's certainly a workout for the suspensions
on their vehicles, once again remembering good roads lead to good homes and
good businesses. This would be a chance to save dollars to participate in the
design phase of this, it is not guaranteed because it has to go through MDOT,
but all of the criteria they would select for a project of this type lean in our
direction. A resolution would be needed from Council tonight, some related
aspects to that deal with other parts of the scenario. He encouraged Council to
do that for the City as an "X" item configuration. He said it makes great sense
and has a great deal of excitement to it, to be able to do this at this time. He said
City Engineer Zilincik can answer any questions regarding details on the project.
Mayor Kirksey was also ready for any questions Council may have regarding the
project.
Meakin said that it is very important that Council take every opportunity brought
before it to save the taxpayers money. He thanked the City Engineer and
Director of Public Works for bringing this opportunity to the City because this
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wasn't in the game plan for next year or even this year. He said due to their
efforts the City is going to save the taxpayers $90,000.00 and get a mile of road
in our City paved, he thanked them again.
Meakin offered the approving resolution on the Consent Agenda.
DIRECTION: APPROVING CONSENT
President Toy thanked Scott Miller for his attendance representing the Planning
Department in Mark Taormina's absence.
AUDIENCE COMMUNICATION:
Mayor Kirksey said the Administration has been having some dialogue with some
agencies that are empowered to help people that are in danger of losing their homes.
They do have non-profit agencies that are designed to come in and work with people
without any cost to them and who have been successful in some cases, not all, not
wanting to create any false hope, but in some cases to save their homes at a very late
part of the procedural aspects that go with that. He said as you may know when you
watch television and listen to radio commercials, almost every other one daily talks
about people that promise you everything and people in many instances find out that it's
just somebody trying either to take their property and soak whatever few dollars their
way that might be left there or to in some way take money from them. These are
legitimate non-profit people that come in, it's a program that originated in Redford, and
they came to the Administration to tell them about their successes. The City website will
have the details in a few days and the Observer has an opportunity to publish all the
details that are related to this so people will have a chance to further get those details.
He said for anyone that might be in that predicament they do have some very legitimate
sources that work sometimes, where they may not have had anyone to turn to in the
past.
Todd Zilincik, City Engineer, announced that he wanted to remind our residents and
motorists that MDOT is seeking input for their five (5) year transportation program that is
due this Friday, December 11, 2009. If they can, they might want to write an e-mail.
Supposedly in 2013, they're scheduling to do Plymouth Road from Newburgh Road to
Farmington Road which is far out there. The City needs to try to get more input to
MDOT to maybe try to speed that timeframe up. He said he knows there's a shortfall in
the gap of funding but in order to attract new businesses he thinks it is very important
that the City try to make it known that they are looking to have that Plymouth Road
corridor completed at an earlier timeframe than now, 2013 is way too far out there. In
addition, in 2014 they are looking to do I-96 from Middlebelt Road to Telegraph Road
and then from Newburgh Road to Middlebelt. He encouraged everyone to go to the
MDOT website www.michigan.gov/mdot, the MDOT five (5) year plan, and e-mail your
comments so Livonia can get Plymouth Road done a little bit earlier.
14
As there were no further questions or comments, Council President Toy adjourned the
Study Session at 8:56 p.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009.
DATED: December 15, 2009 LINDA GRIMSBY, CITY CLERK